The Prosthetic Users Group is proud to announce that the Mid-Ohio Valley, and surrounding area, now has six Nationally Certified Peer Visitors from the National Amputee Association.
Tamara Chinea of Parkersburg, WV
Barry Friedman of Dunbar, WV
Bill Fulton of Belpre, OH
Steve Lamp of Parkersburg, WV
Robert Stephens of Charleston, WV
Fred Yanda, New Matamoras, OH
A big thank you and congratulations goes out to this group who stepped up to volunteer for the program. The program involved 8+ hours of training on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Juanita Mengel, a certified instructor from the National Amputee Coalition, traveled from Amanda, Ohio to teach the class. Students can be an amputee who has successfully adapted to life without a limb(s) for at least a year or a caregiver of an amputee. The application process requires references, a background check and a small fee. Both the students and instructor volunteer their time with their main goal of giving back to help new amputees.
Peer visitors are invaluable to the new amputee. When someone loses a limb, they often struggle with how they can function and lead a normal life again. Peer Visitors, sent on behalf of the National Amputee Coalition, call on new amputees to help bring them hope.
Peer support is vital to recovery. Most amputees who have experienced the gift of a peer visit report this visit changed their life. A visit can help them from being overwhelmed and depressed. They realize if he/she can do it, I can do it. Often the recovery process is a blur, but looking back, the amputee can distinctly remember the affect the peer visit had on their lives.
The Peer visitor program was brought to the area by the Prosthetic Users Group of the Mid-Ohio Valley and hosted by Miller Prosthetics & Orthotics at their Belpre, Ohio location. The Prosthetics Users Group formed in October 2015 to help amputees meet and help each other adapt to life. The support group has been discussing the certified peer visitor program for years and are thrilled to announce their first six graduates!
If you work for a hospital or rehabilitation facility or have a family member or friend who is facing or has recently experienced an amputation, and are interested in a peer visit locally, call Nancy Miller at 740-421-4211. Another option is to go through the National Amputee Coalition Website at www.Amputee-coalition.org. This program is offered across the country.
If you are an amputee, join us at our monthly meetings. The Prosthetic Users Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30. The meetings are usually held at Miller Prosthetics & Orthotics at 2354 Richmiller Ln, Belpre, Ohio. Meeting locations and agenda can be confirmed at PUGMOV.com